My Genealogy Hound

JAMES J. GRAHAM, a native of Virginia, is one of the old and honored inhabitants of Johnson County. In 1850 he bought eighty acres of his home farm, which is situated in township 45, range 27. A few years later he added forty acres more, and has since added to his purchase until he now owns two hundred and thirty-eight acres, in addition to one hundred and thirty-five acres lying in Chilhowee Township. He has been the architect of his own fortunes, and has worked hard and perseveringly in order to acquire a competence. He was one of the charter members of Peace Lodge No. 280, A. F. & A. M., in Chilhowee Township, and was the first Secretary of the same. During the war he was on the side of the Union, but politically has always been an adherent of the Democracy.

A son of Robert and Catherine (Crockett) Graham, natives of Virginia, our subject was born December 18, 1819, in the same state. When he was fourteen years of age he came across the country with his parents and the other members of the family to Missouri. He continued to live with his father, and to give him his services on his new farm, until 1850, with the exception of the two years from 1846 to 1848, when he was absent at his old home in Wythe County, Va. In 1850 he married Louisa A., daughter of William Stockton, who had settled near Hazle Hill, prior to the arrival of the Graham family in Missouri. Mrs. Graham was born in Wayne County, Ky., May 16, 1827, and by her marriage became the mother of ten children, two of whom are deceased, namely: Sarah Catherine, who died in her fourth year; and George W., who was nearly nineteen years old at the time of his death, December 13, 1882. Those who are living are: Nancy J., wife of J. F. Wyrick, of Grenola, Kan.; Margaret A., Mrs. W. L. Bell, of Warrensburg; Mary C., wife of J. T. Marr, of Post Oak Township, this county; Robert F., a farmer of Chilhowee Township; Frances V., Mrs. C. O. Morrison, of Eddy, N. M.; Susie, wife of E. A. Williams, of Warrensburg; James W., a farmer of Chilhowee Township; and Andrew, who helps his father on the farm.

In his early manhood Mr. Graham was for a number of years successfully engaged in teaching in the Johnson County schools, and among his pupils were many people who have since become prominent and respected citizens of the county. He has never been desirous of holding public office, and if possible has always refused to serve in such capacities. Since before their marriage he and his wife have been members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which they have always been liberal contributors. Without exception those who know them are their friends and well-wishers, and we are glad to give them a place among the worthy and honored settlers of this county.